Our final stop in our too short visit to Guatemala was to visit the ruins of Tikal. Arriving early in Flores, the local town on a small Island in the middle of a lake, we went to check out the local mirador (viewing place) to see the lay of the land and also the lakeside beach.
The following day at 2am we awoke to catch our tour to the Tikal ruins. We had to hike through the jungle in the middle of the night & then we climbed to the top of the highest temple (a huge pyramid structure) which was our viewing platform for seeing the most amazing sunrise. Looking out over the jungle canopy we saw the sun come up & consequently the jungle coming to life at the sight of daylight. It was really breathtaking, we especially enjoyed hearing the howler monkeys stating out their territory, they sound like massive beasts as the noises echoed out from all directions. We had to remain silent throughout the sunrise, it was like some weird meditation, but actually glad it wasn't ruined by loud Americans.
After the sunrise we took a guided tour around most of the ruins, finding out about the
Mayan culture, how they built the temples as pyramids to be closer to the gods, in alignment with constellations etc etc... Lots of photo taking, climbing ruins etc. ensued before we got completely shattered & had to have lunch! Thanks mum & dad (Chatterton) for this Christmas pressie!
Shortly before leaving we were followed by a troop of about 30 spider monkeys (Mike's favourite animal!). For some reason they took a dislike to poor Mikee, not only did they try to piss & poo on him, but they were vigorously shaking the trees above our heads, so much so that a huge branch fell down & hit him on the head, nearly knocking him out & cutting his arm! We never knew they could be so aggressive, but Mike has forgiven them & still thinks they're funny.
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